Aslan star Christy Dignam dies aged 63: Singer passes away following ‘long-fought battle’ with rare illness
Aslan singer Christy Dignam has died at the age of 63.
The Irish rocker, who had a career spanning more than 40 years, was confirmed to be in palliative care in January.
The Dublin native had been living with the rare disease amyloidosis since 2013 for which he received regular chemotherapy.
His death was confirmed by his daughter Keira on Tuesday, who said her father had faught a ‘courageously long-fought battle, surrounded by his family’.
She wrote: ‘On behalf of my family, it is with a broken heart that we convey the news of my father’s passing, Christy Dignam.
Tragedy: Aslan singer Christy Dignam has died at the age of 63
Statement: His death was confirmed by his daughter Keira on Tuesday, who said her father had faught a ‘courageously long-fought battle, surrounded by his family’
‘Dad peacefully left us where he wanted to, at home today 4pm Tuesday, June 13th 2023, after a courageously long-fought battle, surrounded by his family.’
‘Let us all hold him in our hearts and cherish the remarkable life of a talented singer, great storyteller and amazing person,’ she added.
‘We thank you so much for your love and support shown to us. Kathryn, Kiera, Darren, Cian, Ava, Jake and our extended family.’
Keira concluded her statement by asking for privacy for her family during this ‘immensely painful period’.
The members of Aslan said they were ‘beyond devastated’ to have lost ‘not just our band member but our friend Christy, that we have had so many years or sharing our lives with.’
‘The band and Christy’s family ask you to respect their privacy at this time.’
Raised in the north Dublin suburb of Finglas, Christy began playing music in the 1970s before forming Aslan in 1982.
Best known for their hit 1994 single Crazy World, the band released six albums over the course of their career.
They achieved immediate success, with their debut album Feel No Shame going to number one in their native Ireland.
Christy dealt with personal struggles and left the band before the release of their second album due to a heroin addiction.
He detailed his battle with heroin in his 2019 memoir Crazy World which included stints in multiple drug treatment programmes.
The singer was also candid about the abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of a male neighbour, saying the trauma from these events may have contributed to his drug addiction.
Christy was married for 37 years to his wife Kathryn, with their daughter Keira also a singer.
